Freshman players adjust to collegiate level

By Lisa Porter

Three freshmen on the women's volleyball team have been able to play composed on the court, but off the court they have to contend with the difficult issue of balancing homework, social activities and most importantly, stepping up their game to the collegiate level.

Lindsy Evans, Lauryn Dowd and Nina Sevastopoulos all came to Santa Clara a month before most of us to begin adjusting to what lay ahead of them for the next four years: intense competition and jam-packed schedules.

Coping with all the new commitments that were being thrown at them was easier than they originally imagined. The early arrival to school, among other things, helped the girls ease into the unfamiliar environment.

"It was really nice being there a month early because all I had to do was focus on volleyball," said Evans. "Then during school, when other people would be feeling homesick, I would know how they felt, but be past it already, which gave me more ability to focus on more important things like my classes and volleyball."

On top of aiding with the constant battle between athletics and academics, it allowed the girls to quickly make friends with other athletes.

"We come in here early so we get to meet other people and other athletes. So I feel that socially it was easier being an athlete because we were able to meet new people so easily," said Dowd.

And as for academics, the girls have a love-hate relationship with the mandatory stipulations of study hall and eligibility.

"Without study hall, I know I would just slack off or hang out with people," Sevastopoulos said. "But because of it I have to get my hours in so I might as well do my homework. I hate going, but it's also nice because it makes me focus."

Aside from the balance of school and athletics, the girls have had to deal with stepping into a level of competition that none had ever experienced. They had to adjust to a league with stronger girls, a faster-paced game and an altogether higher level of play.

And judging by the fact that all three have seen significant time on the court, they've made that adjustment rather smoothly.

Adjusting also meant altering the mental aspect of the game.

"You just have to be better. It's not enough just to be talented like it was in high school. You have to be stronger mentally and physically than your opponent," said Sevastopoulos.

Freshman anxiety was still hard to avoid for the three players.

"I remember standing at the net shaking because I was so nervous and so scared," said Evans.

But the first game jitters were soon overcome with help from the older girls on the team. With their advice, the girls learned how to overcome fears and to learn the collegiate game.

With only one day off, and all other six days booked with practice, class and study hall, the girls don't have much time to themselves. However, when they do steal some personal time, they tend to take it easy.

Evans and Dowd, who happen to be neighbors in the infamously social Swig residence hall, spend a lot of time with each other just hanging out to help unwind.

Being such a close-knit group, time away from practice or games tends to be spent as a team anyway. You can usually find the team at the mall, California Pizza Kitchen, watching a movie or people-watching on sophomore Taylor O'Brien's porch.

But even these girls need a little rest every once in awhile. The three freshmen concede that naps are necessary for their fast-paced lives, and all three recognize the need to just take time to recuperate from their busy schedules.

The speed at which these players are able to adjust will help determine how well the Broncos do in the WCC and the NCAA tournament.

Contact Lisa Porter at (408) 551-1918 or lporter@scu.edu.